Master of ceremonies with a birthday every Monday

The late Eymard O'Connor 1957-2012 EYMARD O'CONNOR of Eagle Lodge, Tralee and formerly of Keylod, Moyvane, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 9 in the loving care of the nurses and staff of Glebe Lodge, Castleisland.

Eymard was born on August 19, 1957 to Thomas and Mary O'Connor, Moyvane. He was one of God's very special children. In 1967 he went to St Mary of the Angels in Beaufort where he received training for his special needs.

In 1978 Kerry Parents and Friends opened Mount Eagle Lodge in Tralee and Eymard, along with five of his pals, was transferred there. He was very happy in his new home and made many new friends.

He spent the next number of years working in St John of God's in Monavalley and later in the workshop in Eagle Lodge.

Monday night was the highlight of his week when The Tralee Lions Club collected himself and all his pals and brought them to the Brogue Inn where they were treated to a meal, followed by music and craic, by the late Bill Kirby, his family and staff.

Here he enjoyed acting as Master of Ceremonies and unlike most people who celebrate their birthday once a year Eymard liked to celebrate his every Monday night. On the announcement from the band, everyone sang him Happy Birthday after which he rendered his usual end of night speech!

He was an avid supporter of Kerry Football and nothing but a win was good enough. He had a great love of music and since his childhood loved playing the bodhrán, which went with him everywhere and he never had to be asked to join in on a session!

Eymard was very close to his own family and always looked forward to his trips home at weekends. He was a very happy, outgoing person who gave so much love to everyone who crossed his path. Those who had the privilege of knowing him were enriched by his presence and by the many happy memories he has left to all.

He is survived by his sisters Joan and Kathleen, his brothers Liam, Dan, Michael, Bernard and Frank, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grandnephews, relatives and friends.

Eymard's family would like to thank all the staff in Mount Eagle Lodge and Tamhnach Lodge for all the love and care they have given him over the years.

He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

Requiem Mass for the repose of his soul was celebrated at Corpus Christi Church Knockanure on Monday, November 12 by Fr. Kieran O'Brien. He was buried with his parents in Ahavoher Cemetery.